Message from the Headmaster
‘Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’
Acts 20:35
Dear Students, Parents and Carers
The Gift of Giving
It is the season, more than any other when we think particularly with gratitude of the vast army of parents and Old Boys who generously give their time in multiple ways to Shore. We saw this quite magnificently last Sunday at our annual Garden Party organised by our School Foundation. When bookings launched, 727 guests signed up such that the attendance sheet was rapidly full and closed almost as soon as it had opened. The enthusiasm for Shore amongst parents who attended was palpable and much appreciated. Generous donations were well into a six figure total.
Not all occasions are so large, or so public. Many volunteer their time in quiet ways, such as covering library books (the Shore Protectors), cooking and preparing meals for our rowing squads, preparing food for hospitality at the end of sporting matches and in myriad ways where the contribution of individuals may sometimes be unknown. Others serve as volunteers through our three Shore entities: SPA, OBU and the Foundation.
Individuals who consume the greatest amounts of time in serving Shore are our governors, the School Council members, who, due to the high responsibility of their role, pour over seemingly endless position papers, figures, briefs, agendas and minutes and attend often very lengthy meetings in order to best position Shore and our students. Council members, by definition, are not paid. They serve out of their love of Shore.
Those who volunteer their time are not seeking recognition or reward. Sometimes the level and importance of the contribution is not quickly appreciated. It is a common fallacy that Shore is so well resourced it does not need the services of its volunteers. In fact, those who assist unselfishly and even anonymously in such ways extend the reach of what Shore can do, both by providing pro bono services or by raising funds, which enable the School to undertake activities which otherwise would not have been budgeted.
Those who offer their time in these manifold ways experience the warmth and enfolding of the Shore community, with a sense of common purpose in undertaking something of real substance and significance. It is the hope of those of us who govern, lead and manage Shore that they will experience the blessing Jesus himself identified:
“Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35
There is an emotional positive and a cognitive realisation in contributing in a way which makes meaning for the giver as well as the recipient.
To our broader Shore community, congratulations on your generosity of spirit and thank you.
Dr John Collier
Headmaster